Classic Cocktails: The Tequila Sunrise

Known as one of the most popular cocktails around, the tequila sunrise is a cocktail that is known for its sunset-like charm and dual flavors of orange and smooth vanilla. Not only does this delicious drink pair well with a variety of festive fare that you'll typically find at an outdoor barbecue or pool party soiree, it is refreshingly, sweet and exceptionally bold. Though a tequila sunrise makes its mark with the citrusy taste of orange, it's the smooth, warm finish that will keep you coming back for more.

The tequila sunrise is a blend of orange juice, tequila and grenadine syrup, which lends not only to its enticing taste but its unstirred quality. To make the perfect sunrise composition, the key is to avoid stirring the beverage after you have mixed in the grenadine (pomegranate juice and sugar), otherwise, you run the risk of creating a blush pink drink rather than the sunrise effect, which comes after layering the flavors. Other than that, it's pretty easy to create. Here's how!

What You'll Need

1 ½ ounces of tequila

¾ cup of orange juice

¾ ounce of grenadine syrup

An orange slice

A maraschino cherry for garnish

Ice cubes

A tall glass

1 mixing spoon

How To Make It

1. Fill a tall glass about halfway with ice cubes.

2. Simultaneously pour in all of the orange juice and the tequila. Do not stir.

3. Pour the grenadine onto the back of the spoon and into the glass. Or you may pour the grenadine on the side of the glass, to drizzle to the bottom of the glass. Do not stir with the orange and tequila mixture, as this will create the dual-toned sunrise effect.

4. Once you are finished, garnish with an orange and a maraschino cherry. Enjoy!

Variations

There are a variety of ways to construct a tequila sunrise to fit your unique tastes. Contrary to what we know as the modern tequila sunrise, the original tequila sunrise consists of crema de cassis, a sweet liquor of black currants that still lends the same color and rich tastes, but with alcohol, as opposed to grenadine. Crema de cassis can easily be blended as a substitute if you want more of an alcohol kick to your beverage. Or you can opt out of the alcohol altogether for a delicious virgin pairing that makes a great go-to drink anytime of the day.

Sweet Sunrise Mocktail

What You'll Need

How To Make It

1. Fill a tall glass halfway with ice cubes.

2. Add the orange juice.

3. Pour grenadine into the drink. It will rise to the top slowly as it sets.

4. Top with an orange slice. Enjoy.

The crisp, smooth blend of flavors in the tequila sunrise is what makes it one of the most enticing cocktails. Try these recipes for when the weather warms up for a cool, classic you'll never want to put down.